For the third night in a row, a dispersal order is in place in Over Hulton (July 31) in a police bid to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The order is in place, in an area outlined in the map provided, until 11pm this evening.

Inspector Maddocks of the Bolton South policing team has authorised a dispersal order under section 34 of the anti-social behaviour, crime and policing act 2014 in response to a significant number of reports of ongoing antisocial behaviour in the area.

A dispersal order was in force in the same area on Monday and Tuesday this week.

This is in place to protect the public and residents, ensuring they do not have to experience excessive anti-social behaviour and disorder. Neighbourhood officers will be deployed to the area to engage with persons in the vicinity.

When the order is in place, officers can ask a person to leave a specific area and ask them not to return until the time specified.

A police spokesperson said: “Where the dispersal order is in place, a police officer or police community support officer (PCSO) can direct a person within the designated area to leave and not return for the time specified.

“Powers will only be used when necessary and proportionate in order to move people along where officers have reasonable grounds to believe that they are engaging in behaviour that is causing, or likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to members of the public.”